2011 Pro Texana Medal of Service

Mark White, BBA '62, JD '65

Awarded to an individual whose contributions in furthering the mission of Baylor in the public or non-profit sector have made an immeasurable impact.

About Mark White

Mark White, the 43rd Governor of Texas, had a number of exciting days in the capital, but he remembers fondly the day Chamber members brought the Baylor mascot for a surprise visit. To this day, he is likely the only Texas governor to have entertained a bear in the governor's reception room. Mark is immensely proud and grateful for his service to the state, but he didn't set out to hold office. As a young man at Baylor, Mark was shaped by many excellent faculty, but it is the memory of Frank Wilson's practice court that inspires him - a course Mark remembers as "almost like a near-death experience." And an experience that prepared him to know where the courthouse is and what to do when he gets there. Mark married fellow alum, Linda Gale, and has been a strong supporter of Baylor throughout his career - strengthening the Southwest Conference during his term as governor and this past year, serving on the Texas Bowl Host Committee and taking a public stand for the Big 12 Conference.